Gathers’ Mother Brings Son Back Home

Hank Gathers’ mother returned to Philadelphia Thursday night with the body of her son, trying to avoid the spotlight that has focused on the family since the Loyola Marymount player collapsed during a basketball game and died.

Lucille Gathers and her sons Derrick and Charles bypassed reporters waiting for their flight at Philadelphia International Airport.

“She didn’t want to do too much talking tonight. She wanted to avoid the media,” said the Rev. Joseph Daniels of Emanuel Institutional Baptist Church, who waited with reporters and a small group of friends.

Among those waiting were Rich Yankowitz, who coached Gathers at Dobbins Tech High School, and Edward Magiacco, principal at Dobbins.

Most of Gathers’ Loyola teammates plan to fly to Philadelphia Sunday.